Local nonprofits, private sector and government agencies collaborated to name winning artists after 34 responded to the public call for artists
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. (March 31, 2020) – In response to the Tahoe Fund and Tahoe Public Art’s call for artists earlier this year, 34 artists submitted proposals for the chance to paint the mural that will complete the tunnel on the new Tahoe East Shore Trail. Tyler Rivenbark and Frida Ticehurst-Rivenbark, a husband and wife art and design duo based in North Lake Tahoe, were selected to paint their mural concept by a panel of judges composed of representatives from the Tahoe Fund, Tahoe Public Art, Nevada State Parks, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Raley’s, and Kelly Brothers Painting. Raley’s is providing a $5,000 stipend to the artists and Kelly Brothers Painting will donate all of the paint required for the mural.
Submissions came from as far as the UK and Canada with the majority coming from local and regional artists. “Our partners and sponsors held two panel meetings in February to determine the top three artists,” said Marina Lowe, program administrator for Tahoe Public Art. “Factors we considered included the artists’ concepts for community involvement, overall design, budget and maintenance.”
Artists were encouraged to focus the theme of their submissions on community and the surrounding environment. Requirements of the project asked artists to depict local life, involve local youth in the creation of the mural, and ensure its completion could be accomplished with minimal closure of the tunnel and trail.
Most of Tyler’s work involves mixed media. Frida’s art practice focuses on sustainable and regenerative systems for creative expression. “Our intent with this art piece is to convey the natural beauty of this region,” said Tyler and Frida. “We want to remind people of the gift we all share by living or visiting this region, amplifying the sense of belonging, and encouraging participation in keeping this place beautiful and full of enjoyment.”
Painting of the mural begins later this spring following NDOT approval of the permitting process. Local youth involvement is also expected, pending the status of government regulations related to COVID-19. When painting is underway, the Tahoe East Shore Trail will be closed for 2-3 days by NDOT and Nevada State Parks. Trail closure details will be announced in advance through local media and postings at the trailheads and @nevadadot and State Parks social media.
The Tahoe East Shore Trail connecting Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park quickly became an attraction for both residents and visitors interested in exploring Tahoe’s famed East Shore on foot or by bicycle since it opened in June 2019. The Tahoe Fund and Tahoe Public Art joined together to commission the mural to augment the natural beauty of the immediate surroundings and transform a utilitarian tunnel into an enjoyable, relevant art experience.